Teaching Quality - International Student Marketing and Recruitment

The latest piece of Hobsons’ research from the Hobsons Insight series examines international students’ perceptions and expectations, comparing students looking to study in the UK to those interested in studying in Australia. We’re particularly focused on the comparative results of the UK and Australia however the findings of this report are invaluable to any institution regardless of geographical location as we know students evaluate a number of courses, institutions and destinations in their process of elimination. Download the full report at http://goo.gl/g4NkVM

With over 18,000 survey responses across 195 countries and 198 nationalities, globally, this research is the most robust of its kind. We've unpacked the student perception of teaching quality along with other factors of influence in the student decision-making process to help you devise your content strategy when engaging with students online and offline, through all your marketing and recruitment channels.

9.
Private and confidential.9
Students choose
subject, country then
institution

10.
Private and confidential.10
The most important factors when
considering studying overseas.
Top five Bottom five
• Quality of education • Distance from home country
• International recognition of
qualifications
• Ability to get permanent residency in
destination country after studying
• Country’s attitude to
international students
• exposure to culture or life in
destination country
• Safety • Ability to work whilst studying
• Ease of getting a visa • Better job prospects in destination
country/migration to destination
country

11.
Private and confidential.
Information gathering, decision
making and application

12.
Private and confidential.12
74% expect detailed email
responses within three days
71% expect short email
responses within 24 hours

13.
Private and confidential.13
Students expect
universities to be active on
Facebook, YouTube,
LinkedIn and Twitter

14.
Private and confidential.
At application stage,
students would liked to
engage with an institution
through YouTube and
Instagram
14

15.
Private and confidential.15
60% of respondents want
to use social media to get
to know other students
who are also applying and
to engage with Alumni

16.
Private and confidential.
Almost 60% of every cohort
say they’ll never use an
agent in the search process
16

17.
Private and confidential.
South East Asian favour agent
assistance in the search process,
they also favour Australia over the
UK
17

18.
Private and confidential.
Subjects available to study is the
most important factor for students
intending to study in Australia
followed by scholarships, tuition
fees and academic reputation
18

19.
Private and confidential.
Unpacking and rebuilding the
definition of teaching quality

20.
Private and confidential.20
Teaching quality is the
most important factor when
selecting an institution

24.
Private and confidential.
‘Instead of just redirecting students to the 'FAQ' page, please take a bit of time
to actually respond along with posting a link to the appropriate place or
answer.’
Prospective Masters’ student, Pakistan
‘A stronger bond between the university and a student is achieved through
social media.’
Prospective student, Pakistan
‘An important factor in the evaluation and selection process is once we get
admitted into the university how flexible and responsive is university in dealing
with problems of international students.’
Prospective undergraduate student, India
24
What students say

25.
Private and confidential.
‘Give information that is relevant, so that students will feel safe and
encouraged to attend the institution. All the necessary information should be
stated for the student’s convenience.’
Prospective undergraduate student, Papua New Guinea
“The most important factor is universities’ attitude towards international
students.”
Prospective student, India
25
What students say